Automation Alley Hosting Info Session On Technical Talent Development Program

TROY (WWJ) — Is your company looking for someone with specific technical skills but just can’t find the right candidate? Automation Alley’s Technical Talent Development Program may be the solution you are seeking.

Join Automation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association, for a no-cost information session on the TTDP, including steps your company can take to access a portion of $5 million in training funds as an employer or training provider, Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Automation Alley headquarters in Troy.

As the next phase of the TTDP, Automation Alley has set up a Challenge Fund program to provide funding to its member companies that are looking to hire and train full-time, highly skilled and permanent workers, with priority being given to those employers committed to hiring new employees.

“After a successful first round that saw 13 Southeast Michigan companies train and employ 172 workers, Automation Alley is continuing its efforts to grow Southeast Michigan into the tech hub it envisions,” said Automation Alley director of talent development Alysia Green. “We encourage companies to come to our next TTDP Information Session to learn how Automation Alley can help you build the skilled workforce your company needs.”

The TTDP model transcends traditional workforce development programs by letting companies identify the specific candidates they want to hire through their own application processes. Traditional programs train workers but re-enter them into a large pool of other candidates with similarly touched-up résumés. The TTDP allows employers to lead the way by targeting future trainees for positions they know are needed.

The TTDP is made possible through a grant awarded to Automation Alley by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Automation Alley applied for the grant in partnership with Oakland Community College (OCC) and the Oakland County Michigan Works! Workforce Development Division, with additional support provided by Sen. Stabenow, D-Mich., Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and the Michigan delegation.

Member employers and training providers will use the funding provided by Automation Alley through its Challenge Fund to deliver flexible and employer-driven training to U.S. workers targeted to specific high-skill or specialty occupations in fast-growing industries.

James K. Riashi, business analyst for Southfield-based Secure-24, said the TTDP has created tremendous opportunity for his company.

“We have been able to leverage the depth and flexibility of the program. Being able to train close to 100 of our personnel over the course of nine months has allowed us to increase the knowledge base of our people and help provide more value to our customers,” Riashi said. “The program is also accelerating the knowledge of our new hires, thus curtailing their learning curves and increasing productivity.”

Automation Alley member companies receiving a portion of the Challenge Fund will be selected as a direct result of their immediate need for new local hires, coupled with their willingness to hire unemployed candidates, if properly trained. Training funds will be allocated for local unemployed candidates through collaboration between employer partners and Michigan Works! Agencies. Employee training will include industry-recognized vendor certifications. Training will be provided by local corporate training companies, workforce development organizations and educational institutions.

The Challenge Fund was created to ensure that small and medium-sized technology companies are able to benefit by expanding their staffs with local U.S. workers. Training of incumbent employees is also allowed through the Challenge Fund.

The TTDP Information Session agenda includes check-in from 8:30 to 9 a.m. followed by the program from 9 to 10 a.m.

There is no cost to attend. Pre-registration is required, and walk-ins will not be admitted. This information session is for potential employers and training providers. Pre-registration ends Oct. 30 at close of business.

To pre-register, visit automationalley.com. For more information on the Technical Talent Development Program and the Challenge Fund, contact the Automation Alley Resource Center at 800-427-5100 or info@automationalley.com.

If you are a job seeker interested in training and employment opportunities, contact your local Michigan Works! Service Center by visiting http://www.michiganworks.org.